The streets of Delhi are once again echoing with the sound of dissent as thousands of protesters from India's youth-led 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) continue to push for education reforms and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government is facing mounting pressure, with opposition Congress party leaders joining forces with CJP supporters in a show of solidarity outside the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday.
The sudden escalation comes after a forceful police crackdown on Monday left dozens injured among both protesters and officers. Videos posted by Congress showed Rahul Gandhi and other leaders being detained and later released, highlighting the intensity of the situation. The CJP had aimed to march to parliament as the monsoon session commenced, but police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, effectively dismantling their protest base at Jantar Mantar.
For the past month, protesters have maintained a round-the-clock sit-in at Jantar Mantar, attracting international attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on 28 June in solidarity with their demands. Despite being forcibly removed from the site by police and taken to hospital for further treatment, Mr Wangchuk continues his fast.
On Tuesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi led a surprise march to Prime Minister Modi's house, calling for the resignations of Minister Pradhan, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Modi himself. Mr Gandhi stressed that the government must issue an apology to students over the police action, adding that Congress chose to protest outside the PM's residence due to being denied parliamentary debate on the matter.
However, Federal Minister Jitendra Singh disputed Rahul Gandhi's claims, stating that the government had agreed to discuss the issue but accused Mr Gandhi of 'moving the goalposts' by requesting Minister Pradhan's resignation. In a public statement, Education Minister Pradhan condemned Congress for 'shamelessly exploiting students as political tools', while also asserting that even after conveying readiness for discussion, Congress opted for a 'political spectacle'.